I only use hand knit dishcloths and have for years. I can’t express the superiority of these things! Regardless of the style, and I have designed a few, they last forever, have fabulous scrubbing power and double as a great heat protector when setting a hot pan on the counter or grabbing something out of the oven. They wash well and it’s nice to have something on hand that reminds you of how truly crafty you are ?
Not only are these great to have around, but this is another great project for anyone learning how to knit. This knitting pattern uses very basic stitches and I’ve made a complete how-to video showing every single step! Learn to cast on, knit, purl, cast off and work in the ends when you are finished. All you need to do is press the ▶️ button to start watching.
If you’re learning how to knit, this is a great project to learn on. Even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly, you still have a useable item. And if you do know how to knit already, it’s a great way to use up the left overs from your stash. And who couldn’t use an extra dishcloth or two anyways.
This pattern is now available for download for a small fee/donations. You can download the ad free, printable version from a number of online retailers. You can download it from my Shopify shop – Bars and Stripes Knitted Dishcloth, my Etsy shop, and Ravelry. If you support my work on Buy Me A Coffee, you can download the pattern as a part of your monthly contribution.
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Things you will need
Size 8 (5 mm) straight knitting needles
Darning needle to sew in the ends
100% Cotton Worsted weight yarn
The Pattern
The repeat signs are different in this pattern than what is mentioned in the video. If you haven’t watched the video, then you can ignore the unicorn and teddy bear comments written below.
FYI – this image ♠︎ replaces
in the videoThis image ♦︎ replaces
in the video Cast on 39 sts.
Row 1 – 6: Knit across
♠︎ ♦︎ Row 7: K4 P1 *(K4 P1)* Repeat from * to * 5 times more. K4
Row 8: K5 *(P4 K1)* Repeat from * to * 5 times more. K4 ♦︎
Repeat from ♦︎ to ♦︎ 2 more times.
Next row: Repeat row 7
Next row: Knit across ♠︎
Repeat from ♠︎ to ♠︎ 5 more times.
Knit across the next 4 rows.
My stuff on Etsy
Hints and Tips
I’ve made the pattern so it is a square as I could get it. If you feel it’s too long (or short) add or take away ♠︎ to ♠︎ repeats. It’s a washcloth, not rocket science. The final piece can be however you like it.
I know some people (Me. I’m some people) like things to have the same motif on both sides. This isn’t one of those things. The backside isn’t terrible, just different from the front. It’s either going to offend you to the core of your being or you won’t give a fµ€k. It’s your call.
If you hold the cast on end to the back of your work and catch the yarn every other stitch, you’ll have one less end to sew in. I’ve made a quick photo tutorial showing you how to do it. You can see it here – How to Work in Ends While Knitting. I hate sewing in ends and this is a great technique to learn.
If you have any questions or comments you can send me an email through my contact page. The comment section at the bottom of this pattern is also great to post your questions. I answer them ASAP.
This pattern grants you the pleasure and profit of selling or giving away anything that you make. It does NOT give you permission to publish, print or distribute it in any format. You are NOT permitted to claim this pattern as your own. Please respect mine, and other author’s rights. You’re a huge jerky jerk if you do this and I’m certain puppy dogs don’t like you because you’re such a horrible person. How can you live with yourself???
I get here by watching your discloth using knitting video. The pattern get conufsing becasue of symbol. I have tried your patterns and those were amazing. I am thankful to you and appericate your efforts.
The symbol shows what rows you need to repeat and how many times. There is nothing meant by the symbols in and of themselves. I use different symbols so there is no confusion as to which section you need to repeat. Most patterns use *. I use different ones but they work the same way.
By far the best “how to knit” video I have ever seen with close up of the knitters hands and slowly showing how the stitches are put on and off the needles. I like the use of the words
“working and non-working needles”. Makes sense and helps to describe where the stitches are going. Excellent video and an entertaining, upbeat instructor!
Can you make this pattern into an Afghan?
Absolutely! I’d do individual squares to make up an afghan.
I look forward to attempting my first dishcloth with this pattern! Hopefully, I will remember to post a photo when I finish.
I began learning to knit just before the Rona shutdown and haven’t been able to go to any classes, learning online now.?♀️
I’m a little confused on the unicorn part. After row 7 & 8. Do you repeat row 7 knit next, row 7 row 8 knit next??? So it would be 7,8,knit over and over?
The pattern is very repetitive. Everything between the unicorns is one repeat of the pattern.
So in short, repeat ALL the rows between the unicorns 5 more times. Follow the instructions exactly as they are written. Repeat rows 7 and 8 the number of times indicated by the bears, do the two rows, then repeat it all again.
Great patterns thank you
You’re very welcome ?